Sheffield craftsman makes instruments for Royal Philharmonic Orchestra with gas meters

Jonny Wilson, of Nether Edge, started making bespoke instruments using old cigar boxes, vintage sweet tins and ‘anything else he can lay his hands on’ in 2005.

But five weeks ago he got an offer that was almost too much to Handel when the acclaimed orchestra commissioned two cellos and one double bass – made of gas meters.

Jonny, 47, did not Strauss at the tight timescale, though.

He said: “It was explained that I would be making instruments for the top musicians in the country.

“Obviously gas meters don’t lend themselves to making instruments, so I was nervous, but there was no way I would turn it down.”

Jonny said composer Gary Tarn approached him after being commissioned to do a television advert about ‘smart meters’, which all homes will soon get to monitor gas usage.

Once the instruments were finished, Jonny was invited to the iconic Abbey Road Studios, in London, to watch the Royal Philharmonic lay down the arrangement, Requiem for Meters.

He said: “These are musicians who are used to playing the very best instruments, so I didn’t know what they would make to the gas meters.

“But they were impressed and the performance was amazing.

“It was great to be involved.”

Jonny said he began working as a cabinet maker 30 years ago.

But ten years ago the musician turned his attention to making guitars, banjos and other bizarre grassroots instruments.

He now sells all over the country and Sheffield favourites Everly Pregnant Brothers have used the instruments in City Hall performances.

Jonny said: “It’s a passion, I love doing it and the instruments I make are all totally unique.”

To find out more about Jonny’s creations visit: www.thefilthydon.com